You've probably seen the phrase "insured and bonded" in commercial cleaning company profiles. It's reassuring language, but many business owners don't know exactly what each term covers.
What "Insured" Means
General liability insurance covers property damage caused by a cleaning crew — a broken fixture, chemical damage to a floor — and third-party injuries that result from their work.
Workers' compensation insurance covers a cleaning employee's medical expenses and lost wages if they're injured in your building. Without it, you could be exposed to those costs even though they aren't your employee. This is the coverage most often missing from underpriced providers.
What "Bonded" Means
A surety bond is a form of financial protection against employee theft. If a cleaning employee steals from your premises and the company is bonded, you have a path to recover the loss.
How to Verify
Always ask for a current certificate of insurance before signing any contract. It should list the insurer, coverage types, and expiration dates. Asking to be named as an additional insured means you'd be notified if coverage lapses.
Every provider we work with is expected to carry general liability insurance appropriate for commercial cleaning operations in Minnesota, plus a commercial cleaning bond. Ask us for documentation any time.